Airflow Delivery Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an airflow delivery device. The device is designed to allow users to stoke a fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, or other flammable materials. Specifically, the airflow delivery device is designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. The device comprises an outlet-operated fan to create airflow, and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for allowing the fan to blow air into the bottom of the fire. Users can insert the tube into the base of the fire pit and activate the device when desired. Air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/315,556, which was filed on Mar. 2, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of airflow delivery devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved airflow delivery device that provides users with a device that increases the warmth and flames from a fire. Specifically, the device comprises a fan which blows air into a copper tube, which is then released from the top of the tube. The copper tube is inserted into the base of a fire, allowing the device to be activated from a distance. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, trying to light a campfire, backyard fire, bonfire, etc., can be a difficult task and requires significant wood, cardboard, or other materials. Further, adding fuel to the fire can be dangerous for the person adding fuel, as well as dangerous for other people near the fire. Thus, in general, people around the fire may become seriously injured when lighting and/or maintaining a fire. Accordingly, a device that allows a user to light and/or maintain a fire from a safe distance would be advantageous.

Additionally, spending time kindling a fire's flame rather than enjoying time around the fire can be tedious and frustrating. Users maintaining a fire tend to have to spend more time adding fuel and tending the fire, than enjoying the company around the fire, as well as the ambiance of the fire. Generally, a device that allows a user to spend less time tending a fire would be advantageous.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that forces air into the fire for stoking the flames. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that allows users to safely stoke the fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, and other flammable materials. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that offers better control over the fire, thereby allowing users to enjoy campfires, bonfires, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features an internal fan connected to a copper tube designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that includes Bluetooth controls to wirelessly operate the device and keep a fire maintained. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that increases the warmth and flames from a fire from a safe distance.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an airflow delivery device. The device is designed to allow users to stoke a fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, or other flammable materials. Specifically, the airflow delivery device is designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. The device comprises an outlet-operated fan to create airflow, and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for allowing the fan to blow air into the bottom of the fire. Users can insert the tube into the base of the fire pit and activate the device when desired. Air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance.

In this manner, the airflow delivery device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that stokes a fire from a safe distance. The device is designed wherein the user inserts a tube into the base of the fire pit to control the fire. The device allows users to maintain the flame on any suitable type of outdoor fire with ease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an airflow delivery device. The device is designed to allow users to stoke a fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, or other flammable materials. Specifically, the airflow delivery device is designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. The device comprises an outlet-operated fan to create airflow, and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for allowing the fan to blow air into the bottom of the fire. Users can insert the tube into the base of the fire pit and activate the device when desired. Air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance.

In one embodiment, the fan of the airflow delivery device comprises a lightweight, housing (enclosure) comprising at least one air intake valve for drawing air into the housing and a blower for forcing the air through at least one air outlet vent. The at least one air outlet vent then expels the air from the housing.

In one embodiment, the air outlet vent comprises a hose secured to it, allowing the expelled air to be released through the hose. Specifically, the hose comprises a distal (far) end and proximal (near) end. The proximal end is joined, mated, coupled, or received in the air outlet vent of the fan. Thus, the air outlet vent and the proximal end form a junction through which air flow travels to be expelled at the distal end of the hose. The blower generates and provides a flow of pressurized air (hereinafter referred to as “an airflow”). In this regard, a copper tube includes a port in which the distal end of the hose is received. Through the port, the distal end is coupled, mated, received in, or otherwise joined to the copper tube.

In another embodiment, the fan comprises a control unit with a timer and sensors in communication with the blower, to customize the amount of air, the magnitudes of air flow, and the speed (or velocity) of the air coming from the air outlet vent and the length of time that the device is activated. Generally, the control unit may provide high-speed air flow; less powerful air flow; or low-speed air flow. The device may further include a ground fault detector and a temperature detector that will turn off the airflow delivery device if it overheats. A safety feature of this embodiment further includes a tip switch, that will automatically turn off if the airflow delivery device becomes unstable.

In another embodiment, the copper tube connected to the distal end of the hose comprises at least one opening on the top surface for expelling air from the hose. However, the copper tube can comprise additional openings to allow for additional airflow from the tube. Typically, the copper tube comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is secured to the distal end of the hose. Further, the distal end of the copper tube typically comprises a cap component or other means to seal the distal end of the copper tube, forcing the airflow through the at least one opening, allowing the user to control the direction the air is released from the copper tube.

In one embodiment, the fan of the device is a portable, battery powered unit. In another embodiment, the fan of the device comprises an integrated power cable to power the device. The device further includes a wireless communications module and additional sensors which would allow the device to pair with a mobile application on a smart device. Once paired, a user could control the airflow delivery device via the mobile application.

In yet another embodiment, the fan and hose of the airflow delivery device is manufactured from heat-resistant plastics or polymers, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The tube of the airflow delivery device is manufactured from metals, such as, copper or stainless steel, and thermally resistant plastics or polymers.

In yet another embodiment, the airflow delivery device is manufactured from a material that is flame retardant or flame resistant.

In another embodiment, the airflow delivery device comprises a plurality of indicia on the fan, hose, and/or copper tube.

In yet another embodiment, a method of forcing air into a fire for stoking the flame is described. The method includes the steps of utilizing an airflow delivery device comprising a fan to create airflow and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for delivering air into the base of a fire. The method also comprises inserting the copper tube into the base of the fire. Further, the method comprises activating the device when desired, wherein air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance. Finally, maintaining the flame on any type of outdoor fire with ease.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an air delivery device is disclosed that stokes a fire from a safe distance. The device is designed wherein the user inserts a tube into the base of the fire pit to control the fire. The device allows users to maintain the flame on any suitable type of outdoor fire with ease. The device comprises an outlet-operated fan to create airflow, and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for allowing the fan to blow air into the bottom of the fire. Users can insert the tube into the base of the fire pit and activate the device when desired. Air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance. The device also enables the user to burn unseasoned firewood, and reduce smoke.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the airflow delivery device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the airflow delivery device of the present invention, disclosing the air intake valve in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing how the airflow delivery device of the present invention is transported in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the wireless communication module in communication with a smart device and one potential embodiment of the airflow delivery device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the airflow delivery device of the present invention in use with a fire pit in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the airflow delivery device of the present invention wherein additional airflow is provided to the fire in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of using one potential embodiment of the airflow delivery device of the present invention to force air into the fire for stoking the flame in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that forces air into the fire for stoking the flames. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that allows users to safely stoke the fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, and other flammable materials. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that offers better control over the fire, allowing users to enjoy campfires, bonfires, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features an internal fan connected to a copper tube designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that includes Bluetooth controls to wirelessly operate the device and keep a fire maintained. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an airflow delivery device that increases the warmth and flames from a fire from a safe distance.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel airflow delivery device. The device is designed to allow users to stoke a fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, or other flammable materials. Specifically, the airflow delivery device is designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. The device comprises an outlet-operated fan to create airflow, and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for allowing the fan to blow air into the bottom of the fire. Users can insert the tube into the base of the fire pit and activate the device when desired. The present invention also includes a novel method of forcing air into the fire for stoking the flame. The method includes the steps of utilizing an airflow delivery device comprising a fan to create airflow and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for delivering air into the base of a fire. The method also comprises inserting the copper tube into the base of the fire. Further, the method comprises activating the device when desired, wherein air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance. Finally, maintaining the flame on any type of outdoor fire with ease.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the air delivery device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the air delivery device 100 is an improved air delivery device that forces air into a fire for stoking the flame. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any user of a fire pit, bonfire, outdoor fireplace, backyard fire, etc., or any other suitable user as is known in the art, to easily light and maintain the fire from a safe distance. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a fan 102 to create airflow and a tube 104 for transferring the air into the fire. Thus, air is forced from the fan 102, through the tube 104, and into the fire at a safe distance.

The device 100 is designed to allow users to stoke a fire from a safe distance without having to add wood, cardboard, or other suitable flammable materials as is known in the art. Specifically, the airflow delivery device 100 is designed to extend into the base of a fire and provide airflow. Users can insert the tube 104 into the base of the fire pit and activate the device 100 when desired.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the fan 102 of the airflow delivery device 100 comprises a lightweight, housing 106 (enclosure) comprising at least one air intake valve 108 for drawing air into the housing 106 and a blower 110 for forcing the air through at least one air outlet vent 112. In one embodiment, the intake valve 108 may be in the form of an integrated adapter that accepts hoses 114 of differing sizes. The at least one air outlet vent 112 then expels the air from the housing 106. The housing 106 can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as it is able to encase the internal mechanisms of the device 100.

In another embodiment, the air outlet vent 112 comprises a hose 114 secured to it, allowing the expelled air to be released through the hose 114. Specifically, the hose 114 comprises a distal (far) end 116 and proximal (near) end 118. The proximal end 118 is joined, mated, coupled, or received in the air outlet vent 112 of the fan 102. Thus, the air outlet vent 112 and the proximal end 118 form a junction through which air flow travels to be expelled at the distal end 116 of the hose 114. The blower 110 generates and provides a flow of pressurized air or an airflow. In this regard, a copper tube 104 includes a port 120 in which the distal end 116 of the hose 114 is received. Through the port 120, the distal end 116 is coupled, mated, received in, or otherwise joined to the copper tube 104.

In another embodiment, the fan 102 comprises a control unit 122 with a timer 124, power switch 125, and sensors 126 in communication with the blower 110, to customize the amount of air, the magnitude of air flow, and the speed (or velocity) of the air coming from the air outlet vent 112 and the length of time that the device 100 is activated. Generally, the control unit 122 may provide high-speed air flow; less powerful air flow; or low-speed air flow. The device 100 may further include a ground fault detector 128 and a temperature detector 130 that will turn off the airflow delivery device 100 if it overheats. A safety feature of this embodiment further includes a tip switch 132, that will automatically turn off if the airflow delivery device 100 becomes unstable.

In another embodiment, the copper tube 104 connected to the distal end 116 of the hose 114 comprises at least one opening 134 on the top surface 136 for expelling air from the hose 114. However, the copper tube 104 can comprise at least one additional opening 134 to allow for additional airflow from the tube 104. Typically, the copper tube 104 comprises a proximal end 138 and a distal end 140, wherein the proximal end 138 is secured to the distal end 116 of the hose 114. Further, the distal end 140 of the copper tube 104 typically comprises a cap component 142 or other means to seal the distal end 140 of the copper tube 104, forcing the airflow through the at least one opening 134, allowing the user to control the direction the air is released from the copper tube 104. In differing embodiments, the tube 104 may be manufactured from iron, stainless steel, or any other metal that can withstand high temperatures. The tube 104 may vary in size in each differing embodiment, and the amount and size of each opening 134 may also vary.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the airflow delivery device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fan 102 of the device 100 is a portable, battery powered unit. In another embodiment, the fan 102 of the device 100 comprises an integrated power cable 300 to power the device 100. In either embodiment, the device 100 comprises a handle 310, which allows the device 100 to be easily transported when not in use.

FIG. 4 discloses the airflow delivery device 100 further comprising a wireless communications module 302 and additional sensors which would allow the device 100 to pair with a mobile application 304 on a smart device 306. Once paired, a user 308 could control the airflow delivery device 100 via the mobile application 304.

In yet another embodiment, the fan 102 and hose 114 of the airflow delivery device 100 is manufactured from heat-resistant plastics or polymers, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The tube 104 of the airflow delivery device 100 is manufactured from metals, such as, copper or stainless steel, and thermally resistant plastics or polymers. In another embodiment, the airflow delivery device 100 is manufactured from a material that is flame retardant or flame resistant.

In another embodiment, the airflow delivery device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 312 on the fan 102, hose 114, and/or copper tube 104. Specifically, the fan 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the fan 102, or any other indicia 312 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 312 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be fire or brand related.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the airflow delivery device 100 of the present invention in use. The air delivery device 100 is disclosed that stokes a fire 400 from a safe distance. The device 100 is designed wherein the user 308 inserts a tube 104 into the base 402 of the fire pit 404 to control the fire 400. The device 100 allows users 308 to maintain the flame on any suitable type of outdoor fire with ease. The device 400 comprises an outlet-operated fan 102 to create airflow, and a copper tube 104 having an opening 134 on its top surface 136 for allowing the fan (blower) 110 to blow air into the bottom of the fire 400. As shown in FIG. 5 , users can insert the tube 104 into the base 402 of the fire pit 404 and activate the device 100 when desired. Air is forced from the device 100, through the tube 104, and into the fire 400 at a safe distance. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the copper tube 104 comprises additional openings 134 to provide additional airflow. In this embodiment, the user 308 inserts the entire copper tube 104 with additional openings 134 into the fire 400 to provide additional airflow into the base 402 of the fire 400. In differing embodiments, the fan 102 may be operated via Bluetooth and may be powered via removable battery, hand crank, or AC power. In one embodiment, the fan 102 may also have multiple speeds.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of the method of forcing air into a fire for stoking the flame. The method includes the steps of at 700, utilizing an airflow delivery device comprising a fan to create airflow and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for delivering air into the base of a fire. The method also comprises at 702, inserting the copper tube into the base of the fire. Further, the method comprises at 704, activating the device when desired, wherein air is forced from the device, through the tube, and into the fire at a safe distance. Finally, at 706, maintaining the flame on any type of outdoor fire with ease.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “airflow delivery device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the airflow delivery device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the airflow delivery device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the airflow delivery device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-7 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the airflow delivery device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the airflow delivery device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the airflow delivery device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An airflow delivery device to allow a user to stoke a fire from a safe distance, the airflow delivery device comprising: a fan to create an airflow; and a tube for transferring the airflow into the fire; wherein the airflow is forced from the fan, through the tube, and into the fire from the safe distance; wherein the tube is extended into a base of the fire to provide the airflow; and wherein once the tube is inserted into the base of the fire, a user may activate the airflow delivery device on demand.
 2. The airflow delivery device of claim 1, wherein the fan comprises a housing and at least one air intake valve for drawing the airflow into the housing, and a blower for forcing the airflow out of the housing through at least one air outlet vent.
 3. The airflow delivery device of claim 2, wherein the at least one air outlet vent comprises a hose secured to it.
 4. The airflow delivery device of claim 3, wherein the hose comprises a distal end and a proximal end.
 5. The airflow delivery device of claim 4, wherein the proximal end is joined to the at least one air outlet vent of the fan.
 6. The airflow delivery device of claim 5, wherein the tube comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and a port positioned at the proximal end.
 7. The airflow delivery device of claim 6, wherein the port is connected to the distal end of the hose.
 8. The airflow delivery device of claim 7, wherein the tube comprises a cap component positioned at the distal end of the tube and at least one opening on a top surface of the tube.
 9. The airflow delivery device of claim 8, wherein the fan comprises a control unit having a timer, a power switch and at least one sensor.
 10. The airflow delivery device of claim 9, wherein the fan further comprises a ground fault detector, a temperature detector and a tip switch.
 11. The airflow delivery device of claim 1, wherein the fan is battery powered.
 12. The airflow delivery device of claim 1, wherein the fan comprises an integrated power cable.
 13. An airflow delivery device to allow a user to stoke a fire from a safe distance, the airflow delivery device comprising: a fan comprising a housing having at least one air intake valve for drawing a quantity of air into the housing and a blower for forcing the quantity of air out of the housing through at least one air outlet vent; a hose connected to the at least one air outlet vent; and a tube connected to the hose for transferring the quantity of air into the fire; wherein the tube comprises a cap component and at least one opening on a top surface; wherein the quantity of air is forced from the fan, through the hose and then through the tube and out the at least one opening and into the fire at the safe distance; wherein the tube is extended into a base of the fire to provide the quantity of air; and further wherein, once the tube is inserted into a base of the fire, the user may activate the airflow delivery device when desired.
 14. The airflow delivery device of claim 13 further comprising a wireless communication module that pairs with a mobile application on a smart device.
 15. The airflow delivery device of claim 13, wherein the fan has multiple speeds.
 16. The airflow delivery device of claim 13, wherein the fan further comprises a control unit having a timer, a power switch and at least one sensor.
 17. The airflow delivery device of claim 13, wherein the fan further comprises a ground fault detector, a temperature detector and a tip switch.
 18. The airflow delivery device of claim 13, wherein the fan is battery powered.
 19. The airflow delivery device of claim 13, wherein the fan further comprises an integrated power cable.
 20. A method of forcing a quantity of air into a fire for stoking a flame from a safe distance, the method comprising the steps of: utilizing an airflow delivery device comprising a fan to create the quantity of air and a copper tube having an opening on its top surface for delivering the quantity of air into a base of the fire; inserting the copper tube into the base of the fire; activating the airflow delivery device when desired, wherein the quantity of air is forced from the airflow delivery device, through the tube, and into the fire at the safe distance; and maintaining the flame on any type of outdoor fire with ease. 